Smart washer-dryer machine having a mechanism of self-loading and automatic transferring

ABSTRACT

An apparatus containing a smart washer and dryer capable of using water to clean clothes is disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a washing drum, washing sensor, center control gate, and dryer drum. The washing drum is structured in a cylindrical shape capable of holding water for cleaning or washing clothes with a repetitive motion. The washing sensor senses the end of or completion of washing phase associated with the washing drum and generates a wash completed signal. The dryer drum which is situated adjacent to the washing drum has a washing drum access (“WDA”) door wherein the WDA door is capable of opening allowing the dryer drum to receive washed clothes from the washing drum via the center control gate based on the wash completed signal. The dryer drum is able to dry the washed clothes by extracting moisture from the washed clothes.

FIELD

The exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention relates to cleaningequipment. More specifically, the exemplary embodiment(s) of the presentinvention relates to a washer and dryer machine.

BACKGROUND

A washing machine, also known as laundry machine or washer, is a machinefor cleaning or laundering clothes and/or fabric articles using water. Aconvention washing machine could have either top loading or frontloading. The top load design, for example, places the clothes in avertically mounted perforated basket where clothes are loaded throughthe top of the machine, which may be covered with a door on the top ofwashing machine. The front loading washing machine is a horizontal-axisdesign allowing loading clothes through a door located at the front ofthe machine. To wash clothes, the clothes or fabric articles are pushedby multiple paddles inside of the drum and then dropped repeatedly untilthe clothes are washed and/or cleaned. Once the washing cycle or phaseis completed, the washed clothes which are often wet are manuallytransferred to a dryer.

A dryer, also known as clothes dryer or drying machine, is an appliancefor home or commercial setting used to extract moisture from washedclothes and/or other wet textiles. A conventional dryer includes arotating drum, also known as tumbler, using heated air flow to removemoisture from wet clothes. A typical dryer is a front loading machinethat allows clothes to be loaded and/or unloaded through a front door.

A drawback, however, associated with the convention washer and/or dryeris that washed clothes generally require to be manually transferredbetween a washer and a dryer.

A conventional approach to resolve such manual transferring is toprovide a combination of washer and dryer using a single drum for bothwashing and drying. A problem associated with the combination of washerand dryer is that it is typically small and inefficient. Another problemassociated with a typical combination of washer and dryer or dryer isthat the dried clothes in the dryer need to be manually moved from thedryer shortly after the clothes are dried to prevent from wrinkling.Another shortcoming is that a conventional washing machine or dryergenerally does not permit remote access.

SUMMARY

This invention discloses a washer and dryer (“SWD”) system that allowsthe consumer to load dirty laundry into the machine and receive cleandry clothes in an outside laundry basket. The process of washing theclothes, transferring the wet clothes to the dryer, and subsequentlytransferring the dried clothes to the outside laundry basket is doneautomatically. Additionally, all phases of washing and drying can becontrolled remotely.

The advantages of using the SWD machine for end users or consumers arenumerous. Firstly, it greatly adds to user convenience because: severalmanual steps have been reduced to one manual step; and providing theuser with the ability to remotely control the washing drying process.Secondly, it eliminates the need for repeat washing of moldy clothesbecause damp clothes were left in the washer. Thirdly, there will not beany need to re-dampen and re-dry clothes because it was left too long inthe dryer.

The advantages of the SWD machine for manufacturers are numerous.Substantial benefits to the consumer, as outlined above, can be providedwith small changes to the hardware, without new technical training andat a comparable price point.

One embodiment of the presently claimed invention discloses the SWDmachine capable of washing clothes via self-loading and automatictransfer. For example, the embodiment of invention includes a washingdrum, washing sensor, center control gate, and dryer drum. The washingdrum is structured in a cylindrical shape capable of holding water forcleaning or washing clothes with a repetitive motion. The washing sensorsenses the end of or completion of washing phase associated with thewashing drum and generates a wash completed signal. The dryer drum whichis situated adjacent to the washing drum has a washing drum access(“WDA”) door wherein the WDA door is capable of opening allowing thedryer drum to receive washed clothes from the washing drum via thecenter control gate based on the wash completed signal. The dryer drumis able to dry the washed clothes by extracting moisture from the washedclothes. The dryer drum then transfers the dried clothes to the laundrybasket.

Additional features and benefits of the exemplary embodiment(s) of thepresent invention will become apparent from the detailed description,figures and claims set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be understoodmore fully from the detailed description given below and from theaccompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which,however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specificembodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary layout of SWD machinecapable of self-loading and automatic unloading for laundry clothing inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating electrical and mechanicalcomponents of SWD machine for operating auto-load-transfer orself-loading in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a cutaway view of SWD machinehaving a washing drum with a DDA door and a dryer drum with a WDA doorin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a cutaway view of SWD machinehaving a washing drum and a dryer drum in open positions in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control flow using variouselectronics and mechanical components for the SWD machine in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-B are three-dimensional (“3D”) perspective diagramsillustrating exemplary automatic transferring mechanism configured tounload dried clothing from a dryer drum to a basket in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of self-loading andautomatic transferring dry clothes by the SWD machine to basket inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention is described herein inthe context of a method, device, and apparatus for a smart washer anddryer (“SWD”) machine capable of facilitating self-loading washedclothes and automatic unloading for dried clothes.

Those of ordinary skills in the art will realize that the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) is illustrative onlyand is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments willreadily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit ofthis disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementationsof the exemplary embodiment(s) as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout thedrawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same orlike parts.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will, ofcourse, be understood that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application- and business-related constraints, and that thesespecific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from onedeveloper to another. Moreover, it will be understood that such adevelopment effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those ofordinary skills in the art having the benefit of embodiment(s) of thisdisclosure.

Various embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawingsmay not be drawn to scale. Rather, the dimensions of the variousfeatures may be expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some ofthe drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may notdepict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) ormethod.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. The term “and/or” includes any andall combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The term “system” is used generically herein to describe any number ofmechanical components, elements, sub-systems, devices, units,assemblies, mechanisms, or combinations of components thereof. The term“circuits,” “computer,” “integrated circuits,” “electrical controller,”“optical sensors,” or “sensors,” may include a processor, memory, andbuses capable of executing instruction wherein the computer refers toone or a cluster of computers, personal computers, or combinations ofcomputers thereof. The term “purifying” is used generically herein todescribe reducing or altering concentration of one or more contaminantsto a specified range.

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a self-containedwasher and dryer apparatus or SWD machine using water, liquor, or otherchemical compound for cleaning or washing clothes or fabric articles.The SWD machine, in one aspect, includes a washing drum, washing sensor,center control gate, and dryer drum. The washing drum is structured in acylindrical shape capable of holding water for cleaning clothes withrepetitive motion. The washing sensor senses the end of or completion ofwashing phase associated with the washing drum and generates a washcompleted signal accordingly. The dryer drum which is situated adjacentto the washing drum has a washing drum access (“WDA”) door wherein theWDA door is capable of being in an open position allowing the dryer drumto receive washed clothes from the washing drum via the center controlgate based on the wash completed signal. Upon completion ofself-loading, the dryer drum is activated to extract moisture from thewashed clothes.

FIG. 1 is a diagram 100 illustrating an exemplary layout of SWD machinecapable of self-loading and automatic unloading for laundry clothing inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 100includes a washing machine 120, dryer 122, basket 130, and wirelessnetwork tower 102. In one example, washing machine 120, also referred toas washing unit, is situated on the top of dryer 122, also known asdryer unit. Wireless communication tower 102, in one example, is coupledto portable devices 116-118 via local wireless network or Internet 108.It should be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplaryembodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if one or morecomponents (or devices) were added to or removed from diagram 100.

Washing machine or washing unit 120, in one aspect, includes a washingdrum 124 configured to contain liquid (i.e., water) for washing fabricarticles and/or clothing. Washing drum 124 is configured to have a frontopening for receiving articles or clothing for washing or cleaning. Thefront opening of washing machine 120 may be covered by a front door.Washing drum 124 can also be referred to as washer drum, washing tub,tub, drum, and/or washing container used for washing clothes. Tosimplify the forgoing discussion, the term “washing drum” is usedhereinafter. It should be noted that washing machine 120 may includeother components such as a motor, inlet water hose, outlet water hose,controller, or user interfaces. In one embodiment, washing drum 124includes a drying drum access (“DDA”) door in addition to the frontopening. The DDA door is used to close a discharging opening which isused to discharge or unload washed clothing from washing drum 124 todryer 122.

The motor, not shown in FIG. 1, is an electric generator that is able toconvert electrical energy to mechanical energy which may facilitaterepetitive movement of washing drum 124. The inlet water hose, in oneexample, is used to channel liquid substance such as water or alcoholfrom exterior reservoir to washing drum 124 for washing operation. Theoutlet water hose, in one example, is used to guild waster liquid suchas dirty water from washing machine 120 to exterior drainage pipe(s).The controller, which can be an electrical component containingprocessor and memory, is used to manage user interface between washingmachine 120 and the user.

Dryer or dryer unit 122, in one aspect, includes a drum 126 with anopening 134, motor, and ventilation channel wherein the ventilationchannel is used to guild moisture from drum 126 to exterior ventingpipes or exterior area. Opening 134, in one example, is used for frontloading which can be closed or covered by a front door mounted at thefront of dryer 122. A function of dryer 122 is to extract moisture orwater from washed clothes using drum 126. In one embodiment, drum 126includes a washing drum access (“WDA”) door used to cover a self-loadingopening which is used to accept or receive washed clothing from washingdrum 124 to drum 126 via DDA door.

In one embodiment, the SWD machine stacks washing machine or unit 120 ontop of dryer or dryer unit 122 separated by a central control gate 128.Central control gate 128, in one aspect, is located at the center of theSWD machine. Central control gate 128 can open and close forfacilitating function of self-loading which allows washed clothes to beautomatically transferred from washing drum 124 to dryer drum 126 viathe DDA and WDA doors.

During washing cycle, the DDA door and WDA door are in closed condition.After the washing cycle, the DDA door of washer drum 124 and the WDAdoor of dryer drum 122 are aligned and opened. When central control gate128 opens, the washed clothes are allowed to automatically drop orself-load from washer drum 124 to dryer drum 126. After self-loading,both DDA and WDA doors including central control gate 128 are closedbefore the dry cycle begins.

Dryer 122, in one aspect, further includes a function of automatictransferring for transferring or unloading dry clothes from drum 126 tobasket 130 via a side outlet 132. Alternatively, the mechanism ofunloading dry clothes can also be accomplished via a front opening viathe front loading door. In one embodiment, the unloading or transferringdry clothes from drum 126 to basket 130 can be achieved through anunloading force created by spinning speed of drum 126. Alternative, abelt conveyor can be used to facilitate moving or transferring dryclothes from drum 126 to basket 130. In yet another embodiment, apressurized air can be used to unload dry clothes from drum 126 tobasket 130. It should be noted that basket 130 is an exemplarydestination location. Other destinations such as tub or space can alsobe used in place of basket 130.

The SWD machine, in one embodiment, also includes a wirelesscommunication system capable of communicating with user(s) orprovider(s) via network or wireless network(s). For example, thewireless communication system is able to connect to the network vianetwork provider 104 through landline and/or wireless via tower 102. Theuser, for example, can access or control the SWD machine via his/hersmart phone 116 or computer 118. In one example, smart phone 116 can beiPhone® while computer 118 can be a laptop computer. A user, forinstance, can turn on the SWD machine remotely via his/her mobile.Alternatively, the user can stop or monitor the progress of washing ordrying cycle remotely.

An advantage of using SWD machine containing both washer function anddryer function is that it provides self-loading of wet clothes andautomatic transferring of dry clothes. In addition, the SWD machineincludes both washer and dryer in a single structure which allowsutilizing similar parts (i.e., one set of display, motor, electronicsand wheels) for small footprint, cost, space, and money.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating electrical and mechanicalcomponents of SWD machine for operating auto-load-transfer orself-loading in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Diagram 200 includes a central control multi-chip unit (“MCU”) 202,motor and power factor controller (“PFC”) MCU 204, gate drivers 206-207,3-phase inverters 208-209, motors 210-211, and washing drum 212, dryerdrum 232. It should be noted that the underlying concept of theexemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if oneor more components (or blocks) were added to or removed from diagram200.

Diagram 200 illustrates a control flow of SWD to perform and manage anauto-load-transfer (“ALT”) function. The ALT function, in oneembodiment, includes self-loading and automatic transferring whereinself-loading is a function allowing washed clothing to be automaticallyloaded into a dryer drum from a washing drum. The automatic transferringrefers to a function facilitating automatic transferring dried clothingfrom the dryer drum to a basket 130 generally located outside of theSWD. In one example, washer motor and drum 220 are located at the topportion of diagram 200 as indicated by numeral 220. Dryer motor and drum222 are located at the bottom portion of diagram 200 as indicated bynumeral 222. A center control gate 128 is situated in the center betweenwashing drum 212 and dryer drum 232.

During an operation, after a timer of washing function is expired, thewashing cycle, for example, is ended. Central control MCU 202subsequently sends a signal to central control gate 128 to open the gatebetween washer and dryer. Central control MCU 202 also transmits doorcontrol signals to both washer drum 212 and dryer drum 232 for openingDDA door 214 and WDA door 234. Upon DDA door 214 and WDA door 232 arealigned, washer drum 212 opens DDA door 214 and dryer drum 232 opens WDAdoor 232 for facilitating self-loading. The washed clothes subsequentlymove or drop out of washer drum 212 via DDA door 214 and they fall intodryer drum 232 via WDA door 234.

The SWD, in one aspect, includes an auto-load sensing feature capable ofsensing whether all washed clothes inside of washing drum 212 have beenloaded or dropped in dryer drum 232 during the self-loading process. Ifwashed clothes are in drum 232 via self-loading process, central controlMCU 202 issues commands to close central control gate 128, DDA door 214,and WDA door 234 before the drying cycle starts. In one example, adrying timer may be activated to clock the time period for the durationof drying cycle. Upon expiration of the drying timer, dryer drum 232will stop at a proper position to discharge dry clothes into basket 130or an exterior area for makeup and folding.

Alternatively, a washing sensor and drying sensor could be used in placeof timers. For example, when the washing sensor detects that the washingmachine or washer is done with washing, the washing sensor reports thecompletion of washing cycle to central control MCU 202. When the dryingsensor detects the clothes inside drum 232 are dry, the drying cycleends. To sense the dryness of clothes, the drying sensor, for example,detects the current moisture level in drum 232 is at or below apredefined dry level. Once the drying sensor issues a commend indicatingthe clothes are dry, the automatic transferring of dried clothing fromdrum 232 to basket begins.

Central control MCU 202, in one example, is the brain for thewasher-dryer machine in which MCU monitors and manages input and output(“IO”) from a control panel, temperature setting, hall sensors, and/orcontrolled signals to electromechanical devices. The exemplaryelectrical and/or mechanical devices include, but not limited to, doorlocks, buzzers, water inlet valve, water outlet valve, water heater,dryer heater, and the like. A function of MCU 202 is to manage, direct,and monitor the operations of the washer and dryer.

Motor and PFC Control MCU 204, for example, has pulse-width modulations(“PWMs”), analog-to-digital converters (“ADCs”), as well as build-incommunication ports used for controlling three-phase (“3-phase”) motorssuch as motors 210-211. Gate drivers 206-207 are used to drive MOSFETand/or insulated-gate bipolar transistor (“IGBT”) power switches whichare used for managing drums and fan motors such as motors 210-211. The3-phase inverters such as motors 208-209 include three single-phaseinverter switches wherein each single-phase is connected to one of thethree load terminals. A function of the 3-phase inverter is to drivevariable-frequency applications and high power applications such as HVDC(high-voltage direct current) power transmission.

Motor 210 or 211, in one example, may be structured without brush(s) andcommutator(s) for simplifying motor design. Motor 210 or 211 and PFCcontrol MCU 204 may be configured to replace functions usually performedby the commutator as well as to properly energize windings which createneeded rotations. Three-phase BLDC (Brushless DC) devices or motorsgenerally provide excellent performance characteristics with or withoutpositioning sensors. A benefit of using the 3-phase BLDC is that theBLDC is relatively inexpensive with relatively long lifespan. In oneembodiment, motors 210-211 can be substituted with one motor which canbe configured to drive, control, and manage both washer drum 212 anddryer drum 232.

The SWD machine or unit, in one embodiment, includes a wirelessconnectivity component which can be used to connect to other homeappliances via a home network or WIFI network. A home network includes aset of connectable home appliances and intelligent devices through awireless router or switch. The connectable home appliances include, butnot limited to, washer-dryer, refrigerator, electronic oven, poweroutlets, lights, door lock, fire alarm, smartphone, et cetera. Thesmartphone may be used as a control center controlling connected homeappliances and devices.

With wireless connection, the SWD machine can provide optimal washingand drying options. For example, the SWD machine can make better choicesfor fabric care and energy efficiency via remote monitoring. Also,monitoring cycle time and machine status can also be carried out inreal-time. Furthermore, sending notification to a destination such as auser can also be performed when a cycle is finish. The SWD machine canfurther obtain sensed information to determine and acknowledge if rinseagent is low. To save energy and resource, the SWD machine can selectmore efficient dryer cycle(s) to dry clothes based on sensedinformation. Auto-delay laundry cycles to avoid energy peak rate(s) canbe performed based on predefined information, sensed information, and/orreal-time information.

In one embodiment, the SWD machine is configured to provide auto-foldfeature. For example, the SWD machine can fold clothes or fabricarticles to prevent clothes from wrinkling. Also, the SWD machine isconfigured to store folded clothes into a predefined location or closetafter the dry cycle.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 300 illustrating a cutaway view of SWD machinehaving a washing drum with a DDA door and a dryer drum with a WDA doorin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 300illustrates a washing unit 120, dryer unit 122, and central control gate128. Central control gate 128, in one example, is situated betweenwashing unit 120 which is placed on top of gate 128 and dryer unit 122which is situated below gate 128. Depending on the applications, centralcontrol gate 128 may be removed or replaced for free movement of contentbetween washing drum 302 and dryer drum 304. It should be noted that theunderlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the presentinvention would not change if one or more components (or blocks) wereadded to or removed from diagram 300.

The SWD machine illustrated in diagram 300, in one embodiment,integrates a washing unit 120 and dryer unit 122 in a single machinewherein washing unit 120 is placed on top of dryer unit 122. Anadvantage of having washing unit 120 on top of dryer unit 122 is thatthe washed clothing can travel from washing unit 120 to dryer unit 122by gravitational force. Another benefit for having washing unit 120 ontop of dryer unit 122 is to save space. Depending on the applications,washing unit 120 can also be situated side-by-side with dryer unit 122or washing unit 120 is situated below dryer unit 122.

The SWD machine, which can also be referred to as washing and dryingmachine or washer and dryer machine, includes washing drum 302 and dryerdrum 304 wherein washing drum 302 includes a washing sensor capable ofsensing washing cycle, water temperature, spinning speed, and the like.Washing drum 302, in one aspect, has a cylindrical shape configured tohold water for cleaning or washing clothes and/or flexible fabricarticles using water with a repetitive motion. In one embodiment,washing drum 302 includes a DDA door 306 which is in closed positionwhen washing drum 302 is in operation for cleaning clothes inside thedrum or tub as indicated by numeral 316. To clean or wash clothes,washing drum 302, in one example, turns around a center 336 in adirection as indicated by arrow 318.

The washing sensor, not shown in diagram 300, is coupled to washing drum302 and senses the completion or end of the washing phase(s) or cycle(s)associated with washing drum 302. The washing sensor, coupled to thecentral control MCU, is capable of forwarding detected or sensedinformation to the central control MCU. Upon receipt of sensed situationsuch as end of washing cycle(s), the central control MCU will providesubsequent instruction(s) or commend(s) such as aligning DDA and WDAdoors 306-308, and opening DDA and WDA doors 304-306.

Dryer drum 304 is situated adjacent to washing drum 302 wherein dryerdrum 304, in this embodiment, is situated below washing drum 302.Alternatively, dryer drum 304 can be placed next to washing drum 302 ina horizontal plane. Dryer drum 304, in one aspect, includes a WDA door308 for self-loading process. For example, upon receipt of the signal ofwashing completed from the washing sensor, WDA door 308 can be activatedto be in an open position allowing washed clothes such as clothing 330in washing drum 302 to automatically fall or drop into dryer drum 304via center control gate 128. Dryer drum 304 is operable by turningaround a center 338 to tumble clothing 332 inside of drum as indicatedby numeral 318. A function of dryer unit 122 is to extract moisture fromthe washed clothes.

The SWD machine, in one embodiment, further includes a laundry deliverycomponent or system capable of unloading dry clothes in dryer drum 304.For example, the laundry delivery system which is adjacent to dryer drum304 and capable of transferring the dried clothes from dryer drum 304 toan exterior location such as a basket via the laundry delivery systemvia an opening at dryer drum 304.

A drying sensor, in one example, can be installed in dryer unit 122 andconfigured to monitor the moisture level in dryer drum 304. When thedrying sensor senses the washed clothes are dried since the moisturelevel has reached to a predefined dry level, the dry sensor sends asignal to stop drying cycle and begin to unload the dried clothes fromdryer drum 304. To properly remove or extract moisture from the wetclothing, a drying vent is used coupling to dryer drum 304 for directingthe moisture away from dryer drum 304.

One advantage of using the SWD machine is that washing drum 302 anddryer drum 304 have large volume and they can also operateindependently. Another advantage of using the SWD machine is that it iscapable of auto-transferring dried clothes to outside of dryer drum 304.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram 400 illustrating a cutaway view of SWD machinehaving a washing drum and a dryer drum in open positions in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 400 is similar todiagram 300 except that diagram 400 illustrates an open position duringa process of self-loading allowing the washed clothes to be dropped fromwashing drum 302 to dryer drum 304 via a self-loading opening 410. Itshould be noted that the underlying concept of the exemplaryembodiment(s) of the present invention would not change if one or morecomponents (or blocks) were added to or removed from diagram 400.

Diagram 400 illustrates a self-loading or automatic loading operation inwhich both DDA door 306 and WDA door 308 are in open positions to createself-loading opening 410 through central control gate 128. Self-loadingopening 410, in one embodiment, allows washed clothes or wet clothes 402to drop from washing drum 302 to dryer drum 304 via a gravitationalforce. In one embodiment, a self-loading sensor coupled to washing drum302 is used to determine whether all clothes 402 have been dropped ortraveled to dryer drum 304. Washing drum 302, in one embodiment, isconfigured to agitate or shake the drum if the self-loading sensordetects that some wet clothes 402 are still attached to washing drum302.

When all of clothes 402 arrive to dryer drum 304, WDA door 308 willclose the opening of dryer drum 304 whereby dryer drum 304 begins tumbledry the clothes. After the opening of washing drum 302 is closed,washing unit 120 is ready for the next washing cycle. It should be notedthat depending on the applications, central control gate 128 can beremoved or reconfigured.

The SWD machine, in one embodiment, is a cleaning system utilizingliquid substance such as water, liquor, and/or chemical compounds forwashing and drying clothes. The SWD machine contains washing drum 302,dryer drum 304, and washing sensor wherein washing drum 302 isconfigured to provide a set of variable spinning motions to clean one ormore fabric objects via a stream of liquid. While the fabric object canbe a piece of clothes made by a fabric material, the stream of liquidcan be a stream of water, liquor, or chemical compounds. Washing drum302 further includes a washing open which may be used by a user formanually loading dirty laundry into washing drum 302. In one aspect, DDAdoor 306 can be open allowing content such as clothing in washing drum302 to travel to dryer drum 304 passing through WDA door 308 viagravity.

The washing sensor, in one example, is coupled to washing drum 302 andis configured to sense washing phases or cycles associated with washingdrum 302. While washing drum 302 is coupled to a motor and/or water hosefor performing a washer function, dryer drum 304 is also coupled to amotor and a vent for performing a dryer function. In the presentembodiment, washing drum 302 is situated on top of dryer drum 304wherein dryer drum 304 is closer to the ground.

Dryer drum 304, situated below washing drum 304 closer to ground,includes WDA door 308 and a dryer opening wherein the dryer opening canbe used by a user for manually removing the dried clothes from dryerdrum 304. When WDA door 308 is open, dryer drum 304 receives washedfabric object or clothes from washing drum 302 based on a signalindicating the completion of the washing cycle generated by the washingsensor. A function of dryer drum 304 is to extract moisture from thewashed fabric objects or clothes.

The SWD machine, in one aspect, includes a delivery component capable ofautomatically unloading dry clothes from dryer drum 304. The deliverycomponent, for example, is coupled to dryer drum 304 and configured totransfer dried fabric object such as clothes from dryer drum 304 to anexterior location via a dryer delivery opening. In one embodiment, WDAdoor 308 can be used to allow dried clothes to exit from dryer drum 304.The delivery component, in one embodiment, includes an air compressingelement capable of pushing, expelling, or blowing dried clothes fromdryer drum 304 to a nearby exterior location. Alternatively, thedelivery component includes a spinning controller able to push driedclothes from dryer drum 304 via a pushing or expelling force generatedby the spinning speed of dryer drum 304. Dryer drum 304, in one example,includes a drying sensor configured to monitor moisture level inside ofdryer drum 304. The SWD machine, in one aspect, includes a drying ventwhich is coupled to dryer drum 304 for guiding the moisture away fromdryer drum 304.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram 500 illustrating a control flow usingvarious electronics and mechanical components for the SWD machine inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 500illustrates a washing control component 504, drying control component502, circuit protection component 506, wireless component 508, userinterface 510, and resource management 512. It should be noted that theunderlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the presentinvention would not change if one or more components (or circuitry) wereadded to or removed from diagram 500.

FIG. 6A is a three-dimensional (“3D”) perspective diagram 600illustrating an exemplary automatic transferring mechanism configured tounload dried clothing from a dryer drum to a basket in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 600 includes a conveyorbelt 610 and basket 130 wherein conveyor belt 610 is design to transportarticles on a belt conveyor, also known as a belt conveyor system, tobasket 130. Belt conveyor 610, in one example, includes belt 602, frame606, pulleys, rollers, gearhead, and motor 604. Belt 602 is coupled withthe pulleys to form an endless loop for carrying clothing articles. Forexample, when the pulleys rotate powered by motor 604, belt 602 willcarry articles or dried clothing with belt 602 in a direction indicatedby an arrow 612.

FIG. 6B is 3D perspective diagrams 650-651 illustrating exemplaryautomatic transferring mechanisms configured to unload dried clothingfrom a dryer drum to a basket in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Diagram 650 illustrates dryer unit 122 having a frontdoor 658 and an automatic unloading door 660 with a cover 652. During anoperation, cover 652 opens in a direction as indicated by arrow 654allowing dried clothes 656 to travel from the dryer drum to basket 130.In one embodiment, cover 652 is configured to provide a guide to directdried clothes 656 toward basket 130 for wrinkle prevention.

Diagram 651, which is similar to diagram 650 except that cover 666 isstructured differently, illustrates dryer unit 122 having a front door658 and an automatic unloading door 660. During an operation, cover 666opens in a direction as indicated by arrow 662 allowing dried clothes656 to travel from the dryer drum to an exterior location. In oneembodiment, cover 666 provides a function of ramp guiding dried clothes656 toward the side of dryer unit 122 for wrinkle prevention. It shouldbe noted that the underlying concept of the exemplary embodiment(s) ofthe present invention would not change if one or more components (orblocks) were added to or removed from diagrams 600, 650, and 651.

In one embodiment, conveyor belt 610 is integrated into the SWD machineand is activated to provide automatic transferring dried clothing fromthe SWD machine to an exterior location such as basket 130. In analternative embodiment, conveyor belt 610 is configured to be adjustablecapable of extending the length of belt to reach basket 130 using itssensing capability. For example, the user can preselect a location forthe dry clothes and depending on user selected location, conveyor belt610 uses onboard locating sensor(s) to locate basket 130 andsubsequently delivers the dried clothes to basket 130.

The exemplary aspect of the present invention includes variousprocessing steps, which will be described below. The steps of the aspectmay be embodied in machine or computer executable instructions. Theinstructions can be used to cause a general purpose or special purposesystem, which is programmed with the instructions, to perform the stepsof the exemplary aspect of the present invention. Alternatively, thesteps of the exemplary aspect of the present invention may be performedby specific hardware components that contain hard-wired logic forperforming the steps, or by any combination of programmed computercomponents and custom hardware components.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart 700 illustrating a process of self-loading andautomatic transferring dry clothes operated by the SWD machine to abasket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Atblock 702, a laundry process for cleaning clothes by the SWD machinereceives clothes or fabric clothing articles via an opening of a washingdrum. The opening of the washing drum, which, in one aspect, can beclosed by a front loading door, allows a user to manually load dirtylaundry into the washing drum. In one example, the washing drum iscoupled to an external hose for obtaining water for the washing cycle.Alternatively, other liquid such as liquor or chemical compound may beused in place of water.

At block 704, after activating the washing unit of the SWD machine, thewashing drum creates a movement that turns around a center via apredefined speed and duration for cleaning or washing the clothes usingwater. In one aspect, a user can initiate the washing process via awireless connected device. Also, the wireless connected device, such asa smart phone or computer, can also monitor laundry cycles and statusvia a communication network.

At block 706, a washing sensor which is coupled to the washing drumdetects a completion of washing cycle carried out by the washing drum.For example, the washing sensor may be used to monitor the washingcycle(s) associated with the laundry load. For instance, if the washingsensor detects that the laundry load or clothing volume is large or theload is heavy, the washing cycle is adjusted accordingly.

At block 708, upon sending a washing completing signal from the washingsensor to the dryer drum and the washing drum, the process stops thewashing unit from washing operation and activates the process ofself-loading. The process of self-loading, for example, transfers washedclothes from the washing drum to the dryer drum.

At block 710, to perform self-loading, the WDA door and DDA door arefirst aligned whereby wet or washed clothes could leave the washing drumthrough the DDA door and drop into the dryer drum via the WDA door.

At block 712, the SWD opens the DDA door on the dryer drum to allow thewet clothes move or travel from the washing drum to the dryer drum usinga gravitational force. Upon detecting by a dryer sensor the completionof dryer cycle associated with the dryer drum based on the moisturelevel inside of dryer drum, the dried clothing can be pushed or repelledfrom the dryer drum to an external place via a dryer opening. Note thatthe dryer opening can either be located on the side wall of SWD machineor on the front wall of SWD machine. In one embodiment, a pressurizedair stream is activated to blow or push the dry clothes from the dryerdrum to an exterior basket via the dryer opening. In one aspect, a setof alignment sensors may be used to align the WDA door of dryer drumwith the DDA door of the washing drum.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those of skills in the art thatbased upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from this exemplary embodiment(s) of the presentinvention and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended claims areintended to encompass within their scope all such changes andmodifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this exemplaryembodiment(s) of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A smart washer-dryer (“SWD”) machine via water,comprising: a washing drum having a cylindrical shape configured to holdwater for cleaning clothes with repetitive motion; a washing sensorcoupled to the washing drum and configured to sense a completion ofwashing cycle associated with the washing drum; and a dryer drum,situated adjacent to the washing drum and configured to have a washingdrum access (“WDA”) door, the WDA door configured to be in an openposition allowing the dryer drum to receive washed clothes from thewashing drum to the dryer drum via a center control gate in response toa signal of washing completed generated by the washing sensor, the dryerdrum operable to extract moisture from the washed clothes.
 2. Themachine of claim 1, further comprising a delivery component situatedadjacent to the dryer drum and configured to transfer dry clothes fromthe dryer drum to an exterior location via a dryer opening.
 3. Themachine of claim 2, further comprising a drying sensor coupled to thedryer drum and configured to monitor moisture level inside of the dryerdrum.
 4. The machine of claim 2, further comprising a drying ventcoupled to the dryer drum and configured to direct moisture away fromthe dryer drum.
 5. A cleaning system utilizing liquid substance,comprising: a washing drum configured to provide a set of variablespinning motions to clean a fabric object via a stream of liquid; awashing sensor coupled to the washing drum and configured to sensewashing phases associated with the washing drum; and a dryer drum,situated below the washing drum closer to ground, configured to have awashing drum access (“WDA”) door and a dryer opening, the WDA doorconfigured to be opened for allowing the dryer drum to receive washedfabric object from the washing drum in accordance with a washingcompeted signal generated by the washing sensor, the dryer drum operableto extract moisture from the washed fabric object.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, further comprising a delivery component situated adjacent tothe dryer drum and configured to transfer dried fabric object from thedryer drum to an exterior location via the dryer opening.
 7. The systemof claim 6, further comprising a drying sensor coupled to the dryer drumand configured to monitor moisture level in the dryer drum.
 8. Thesystem of claim 6, further comprising a drying vent coupled to the dryerdrum and configured to direct moisture away from the dryer drum.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the washing drum includes a drying drumaccess (“DDA”) door and a washer opening, the DDA door configured to beopen for facilitating washed content to travel from the washing drum tothe dryer drum passing through the WDA door via gravitational force. 10.The system of claim 6, wherein the fabric object is a piece of clothesmade by a fabric material.
 11. The system of claim 6, wherein the streamof liquid is a stream of water.
 12. The system of claim 5, wherein thewashing drum is coupled to a motor and water hose, and is able toperform a washer function; and wherein the dryer drum is coupled to amotor and a vent, and is able to perform a dryer function.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the washing drum is situated on top of thedryer drum against gravity.
 14. The system of claim 6, wherein thedelivery component includes an air compressor capable of pushing dryfabric objects out of the dryer drum.
 15. The system of claim 6, whereinthe delivery component includes a spinning controller able to push dryfabric objects out of the dryer drum via a pushing force throughspinning of the dryer drum.
 16. A method of cleaning clothes via awashing drum situated on top of a dryer drum, comprising: receivingclothes via a first opening of the washing drum and water from anexternal hose; turning the washing drum via a predefined speed andduration to clean the clothes utilizing water; detecting by a washingsensor a completion of washing cycle performed by the washing drum;sending a washing completing signal from the washing sensor to the dryerdrum and the washing drum; opening a dryer drum access (“DDA”) door onthe washing drum to allow wet clothes to leave the washing drum; andopening a washing drum access (“WDA”) door on the dryer drum to receivethe wet clothes from the washing drum via gravity force.
 17. The methodof claim 16, further comprising detecting by a dryer sensor a completionof drying cycle based on moisture level in the dryer drum.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising pushing the clothes from thedryer drum to an external place via a dryer opening.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein pushing the clothes includes activating a pressurizedair stream to blow dry clothes out of the dryer drum via a dryeropening.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the opening a washing drumaccess (“WDA”) door includes aligning the WDA door with the DDA door ofthe washing drum.